In the words of renowned personal branding expert and author Tom Peters, “All of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are the CEOs of our own companies, Me Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be the head marketer for the brand called You.” These words perfectly encapsulate the significance of personal branding in today’s competitive landscape. As you embark on your branding journey, let us guide you through a checklist of essentials and unveil the 7 best platforms that will elevate your brand to new heights.
Did you know that 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process? This staggering statistic, revealed in the 2020 CareerBuilder survey, underscores the importance of curating a strong personal brand online. Now, let’s delve into the platforms that will not only help you establish your personal brand but also captivate your target audience.
7 Platforms for Personal Brand Growth
1. LinkedIn
Often referred to as the “professional Facebook,” LinkedIn is a goldmine for personal branding. In his book “LinkedIn Unlocked,” author Melonie Dodaro emphasizes the platform’s impact, stating that “LinkedIn is the place where business relationships start and flourish.” With its robust networking capabilities and career-focused audience, LinkedIn is a must-have platform to showcase your expertise, connect with industry leaders, and unlock endless professional opportunities. Create a killer profile, showcase your expertise, and dive into vibrant discussions. It’s like a networking event on steroids.
2. Instagram
Who said personal branding can’t be visually stunning? Instagram is where your brand can shine brightly like a diamond. Gary Vaynerchuk, author of “Crushing It!” aptly states, “Instagram is the single most important platform to grow your brand and your business right now.” With its visual allure and over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram offers a vibrant space to express your personal brand through captivating images and stories. From inspiring quotes to behind-the-scenes glimpses, this platform allows you to engage and forge meaningful connections with your audience.
3. YouTube
Lights, camera, action! YouTube is the silver screen for your personal brand. In their book “YouTube Secrets,” authors Sean Cannell and Benji Travis highlight the power of video content, stating that “YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world.” With billions of hours of video watched daily, YouTube provides an incredible opportunity to establish yourself as a thought leader. Create compelling videos, share your knowledge, and engage with your subscribers to cultivate a loyal community around your personal brand.
4. Medium
Known as “YouTube for Writers,” Medium is a platform that allows you to amplify your personal brand through the art of storytelling. In “Everybody Writes,” author Ann Handley emphasizes the significance of storytelling in personal branding, asserting that “great writing is the best way to separate yourself from the sea of mediocrity.” Pour your heart into thought-provoking pieces, share practical tips, and offer unique insights. The best part? Medium is an excellent platform to showcase your writing and reach a highly receptive audience.
5. Podcast
If you have ever thought of starting a podcast, now may be the perfect time. In his book “Podcast Launch,” John Lee Dumas highlights that podcasts are one of the most personal forms of media, offering listeners a chance to connect with content while doing other things. With the recent surge in podcast popularity, creating one can thrust you into the spotlight, enabling you to carve out a unique voice in your field and gain global reach. So grab that mic and get started crafting a deeply engaging conversation with your listeners!
6. Twitter
Known for its succinct nature and real-time conversations, Twitter has become a digital hub for personal branding. It isn’t simply a website; it’s your one-stop shop for timely updates, industry chatter, and intriguing dialogues. As Mark W. Schaefer emphasizes in his work “The Tao of Twitter,” the potential of this platform is vast; it’s not just about tweets, but rather the conversations that stem from them. With its concise nature, you can pack a punch with your tweets and attract attention from industry influencers.
7. Personal Website/Blog
As Seth Godin, author of “This Is Marketing,” asserts, “Having a website is your chance to speak to the world, to control the narrative about what you do.” A personal brand isn’t complete without a captivating website or blog that’s all about YOU. Think of it as your digital headquarters. As you set out on your journey to build your personal brand, it’s important to keep in mind that your website acts as a digital representation of your home. It provides a space for you to convey what makes you stand out and share valuable insights with others.
Conclusion
In the wise words of Simon Sinek from his book “Start with Why,” it’s not just about what you do, but why you do it. To truly amplify your personal brand and connect with your target audience, there are seven key platforms that warrant consideration. By utilizing these platforms thoughtfully and leveraging them to showcase your authentic voice, you can make a strong impression on those who encounter your brand. You can also hire a company like Infiniqe Marketing to manage all such activities.
Rather than dwelling solely on the details of what you do or how well you do it, remember that people are curious about the ‘why’ behind it all. The potential for success is great in your personal branding journey by maximizing every opportunity available in the digital realm while ensuring that the brand reflects an outstanding version of yourself. “You.”